Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup

Comfort food doesn’t get much easier than Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup. This recipe delivers a warm, satisfying bowl of deliciousness in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and creamy soup that everyone will love!

Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Creamy Chicken Soup

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for soup making. Its pressure-cooking capabilities drastically reduce cooking time, tenderizing the chicken and infusing the broth with rich flavor in minutes. The sauté function allows you to build a flavorful base by browning the aromatics before pressure cooking, adding depth to the final product. Furthermore, the “keep warm” setting ensures that your soup stays at the perfect serving temperature until you’re ready to eat.

Here are some of the key benefits of using the Instant Pot:

• Speed: Significantly reduces cooking time compared to stovetop methods.
• Flavor: Pressure cooking intensifies flavors and tenderizes ingredients.
• Convenience: One-pot cooking minimizes cleanup.
• Versatility: The Instant Pot can be used for various soup recipes.
• Consistent Results: Reliable pressure cooking ensures consistent results every time.

The Secret to the Best Creamy Chicken Flavor

The foundation of any great creamy chicken soup lies in building layers of flavor. This recipe starts with sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to create a flavorful base. Adding garlic and herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, enhances the savory profile.

Here are some tips for maximizing flavor:

• Brown the Chicken: Searing the chicken before pressure cooking adds depth and richness to the soup.
• Use High-Quality Broth: Opt for chicken broth with a rich, savory flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
• Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing the vegetables and browning the chicken, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits, adding extra flavor to the soup.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the soup generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil to the pot. Once heated, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Brown Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.

3. Pressure Cook: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is mostly submerged. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time for 8 minutes on high pressure.

5. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

6. Add Cream and Peas: Open the Instant Pot lid. Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas. Allow the soup to heat through for a couple of minutes until the peas are heated.

7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy chicken soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Customizing Your Creamy Chicken Soup

One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Here are some variations to try:

• Add Noodles: Stir in cooked egg noodles, ditalini, or gluten-free pasta after pressure cooking. Adjust the amount of broth accordingly.
• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables such as potatoes, corn, spinach, or mushrooms. Add potatoes before pressure cooking and leafy greens or mushrooms after pressure cooking.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Use Different Protein: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for chicken breasts for a quicker preparation.
• Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or cream cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy flavor. Add the cheese after pressure cooking to prevent curdling.
• Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup after pressure cooking and simmer until thickened.

Troubleshooting Your Instant Pot Soup

While the Instant Pot is generally easy to use, occasional issues can arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• “Burn” Notice: This usually indicates that food is stuck to the bottom of the pot. Ensure that there is enough liquid in the pot and that you have deglazed the pot properly after sautéing. You can also try layering the ingredients to prevent food from sticking.
• Soup is Too Thin: If the soup is too thin, simmer it on the “Sauté” function after pressure cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
• Soup is Too Thick: Add more broth or water to thin the soup.
• Chicken is Dry: Avoid overcooking the chicken by following the recommended cooking time. If the chicken is dry, shred it and stir it back into the soup, allowing it to absorb some of the liquid.
• Instant Pot Won’t Seal: Check the sealing ring to ensure it is properly installed. Also, make sure the valve is in the “Sealing” position.
• Food is Undercooked: Ensure that the Instant Pot has reached full pressure before the cooking time starts. If the food is still undercooked after the cooking time is complete, seal the lid and cook for a few more minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, the texture of the heavy cream may change slightly after freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the heavy cream and add it after thawing and reheating.

What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup?

Creamy Chicken Instant Pot Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.

Can I add other seasonings to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add other seasonings to the soup according to your preferences. Some popular additions include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder.